- By Sahelee Rakshit
- Fri, 15 Nov 2024 09:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Pune Division of the Maharashtra State Excise Department has increased enforcement efforts in anticipation of the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections. Almost 1,267 cases have been filed since October 1, and 1,179 people have been arrested as a result. 182 cars valued at Rs 5.55 crore, as well as alcohol and other illegal goods, were seized.
Notorious serial offenders have been subject to bonds of good conduct, which have resulted in fines of Rs 11.80 lakh.
In three significant cases, illegal booze transit from Goa—where it is cheaper but prohibited in Maharashtra—was intercepted. Authorities confiscated two vehicles and liquor totaling Rs 41.77 lakh. In addition, 101 liquor license holders have been charged for violating Maharashtra State Excise Department regulations.
The crackdown is intended to reduce the use of liquor to sway voters during elections. To improve monitoring, the Excise Department has established 18 temporary checkpoints throughout Pune, where suspicious cars are extensively investigated.
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Dr Suhas Diwase, the Pune District Collector, has issued stern directions to prevent election-related misconduct including liquor, and officials have been directed to take stringent punishment against breaches.
Six-Day Dry Period In Pune
The Pune District Collector, in cooperation with the Maharashtra State Excise Department, has proclaimed a six-day dry period in all 21 constituencies in the Pune district.
Beginning at 6 PM on November 18, which also marks the beginning of the election silent period, the dry period will last until the end of November 23, which is the day of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections vote count.
